2017 NFL Draft: Devine Redding signs with Chiefs

Indiana’s lead back in 2016 knows his short term NFL future, as Devine Redding will fight to earn a roster spot on the Kansas City Chiefs this fall.

Redding enjoyed a strong career at Indiana, breaking the 1,000 rushing yard marker in each of his final two seasons in Bloomington. After only getting 29 carries his freshman season in a jammed backfield that also included current Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman, as well as DeAngelo Roberts. Redding backed up current Chicago Bear Jordan Howard as a sophomore, rushing for 1,012 yards on 66 carries for 9 touchdowns. Redding capped off his strong 2015 by filling in for an injured Howard and rushing for 227 yards on 35 carries and a score in the Pinstripe Bowl against Duke. The Duke performance, combined with a pair of 130+ yard efforts in Indiana’s last 2 regular season games, gave Redding fairly high expectations heading into his junior season. While Redding did not have as strong of a season as expected, he still rushed for 1,122 yards for 7 touchdowns.

Redding is a strong downhill runner that is strong running between the tackles to get to the second level. Redding has made his mark by making the most of his touches, averaging 4.4 yards per rush in his junior season. Redding has also shown the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, racking up 146 yards on 27 receptions for a pair of touchdowns.

However, it will be an uphill battle to make an NFL roster, mainly due to his physical stature. Standing at just 5 feet 8 inches and 208 pounds, Redding’s lack of size will hurt him. In addition, Redding does not have the elite speed to be a true home run threat in the NFL.

While Redding lacks the physical tools of Coleman or Howard to likely be as successful as the two latter have been so far in their young NFL careers, Redding has the tools to be a serviceable backup or 3rd string NFL running back.